Template:Chapters 8.1

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8.1- Tree fruit harvesting tools for smallholder farmers


Meghan Kossen, University of Guelph, Canada

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Suggested citation for this chapter.

Kossen,M (2022) Tree fruit harvesting tools for smallholder farmers. In Farmpedia, The Encyclopedia for Small Scale Farmers. Editor, M.N. Raizada, University of Guelph, Canada. http://www.farmpedia.org

Background for Tree Fruit Harvesting

The selling price of tree fruit is entirely dependent on the quality and condition of the fruit when brought to market (Burden & Willis, 1989). This can be drastically impacted by the methods of handling during the harvesting process. Bacteria and fungi can penetrate fruit that has been bruised or cut. Further, this can accelerate water loss which leads to the rapid deterioration of the fruit (Palipane & Rolle, 2008). In developing countries, most tree fruits are harvested by hand (Palterini, n.d.). While hand-harvesting methods can result is less damage to the fruit than may occur during mechanized harvesting, this method can be laborious and can lead to physical ailments of smallholder farmers. Currently, climbing trees is the most common method of tree fruit harvesting, and this task is typically undertaken by children. This method is risky and can easily lead to injury.

To minimize labour and tree fruit deterioration, the utilization of simple harvesting tools can be beneficial for smallholder farmers. As well, many fruit trees are too large to be harvested from the ground. Therefore, the use of harvesting tools eliminates the necessity of climbing the tree to harvest by hand. These tools can be specifically designed for the respective fruit being harvested. For example, a harvesting tool for tree fruit occurring in bunches may have several prongs extending from a basket (see Figure 1), while a harvesting tool for plucking papaya may consist of a slanted basket (see Figure 2) (Palipane & Rolle, 2008). However, a universal design, depicted in Figure 3, may consist of a steel ring with a cutting edge in the notch attached to a long pole. A net can then be affixed to the steel ring to collect the fruit as it is detached (Palipane & Rolle, 2008).

Figure 1. Harvesting tool for plucking of tree fruits occurring in bunches (Palipane & Rollo, 2008).

Figure 2. Harvesting tool for plucking of papaya (Palipane & Rollo, 2008).

Figure 3. Harvesting tool for the plucking of tree fruits (Palipane & Rollo, 2008).

Benefits of Utilizing Tree Fruit Harvesting Tools

Improved Fruit Quality: As already mentioned, simple tree fruit harvesting tools, such as picking poles, can significantly minimize damage to fruit and thus minimize the deterioration of the fruit (Palipane & Rollo, 2008). As well, picking poles allow farmers to more precisely cut the stems of tree fruits at their proper lengths. For example, breadfruit stalks require fruit stalks to be cut at a length of 1.5 cm during harvest (Palipane & Rolle, 2008).

Reduced Labour and Costs: Tree fruit harvesting tools can minimize both labour and production costs associated with the harvesting process (Khatri, 2022). Many fruit trees are too tall to be harvested from the ground, and without the use of a picking pole, farmers would have to climb the tree to pick the fruit by hand. By utilizing the picking pole, farmers can pick the fruit from the ground with ease, increasing efficiency (Khatri, 2022). This increased efficiency thus allows farmers to harvest larger quantities of fruit within a day. As well, less fruit will be damaged during this process, allowing more fruit to make it to market. This reduces losses for smallholder tree fruit farmers.

Improved Physical Health: Hand-harvesting methods for tree fruit exposes farmers to many work-related musculoskeletal disorders (Mohamadden, et al., 2021). Harvesting by hand is a laborious, repetitive activity that can have negative physical health impacts on smallholder farmers. Further, climbing trees to harvest the fruit can be dangerous and easily lead to accidents. The utilization of tree fruit harvesting tools can reduce the negative physical health impacts associated with hand-harvesting methods.

Commercial Picking Poles

Picking poles can either be factory-made or home-made. A factory-made picking pole, if financially feasible for smallholder farmers, is more durable and effective than one that is home-made. A typical commercial picking pole can be purchased for approximately US$25. The picking pole with the bag attached (see Figure 3) is the more lightweight option, weighing around 170 g while the metal basket pole (see Figure 1) weighs around 320 g. As well, some fruit pickers have the option for a height adjustable pole. To reduce the price of the commercial picking pole, a good solution would involve purchasing the picking basket or bag separately, then attaching this to either a broomstick or a tree branch. See Practical Links (below) for links to inexpensive commercial models.

Home-made Picking Poles

However, there are many constraints that may not allow farmers to purchase factory-made picking poles, so home-made versions of this tool may be the only option. The main components of a typical picking pole involve a long pole, steel ring, blade, and a collection bag. If these materials are not available, the following section depicts how this harvesting tool can be constructed out of basic items.

Step-by-Step Guide to Construct a Home-made Picking Pole (see Figure 4)

Materials: the pole of a broomstick or a tree branch, a plastic jug, a blade or razor, a screw, and a tool to cut the plastic.

Step 1. With the plastic jug facing downwards, cut a large teardrop shape into the side of the jug

Step 2. Attach the razor to the top notch of the teardrop.

Step 3. Insert the tip of the pole into the opening of the jug and screw the pole into place.

Step 4. For soft fruit, a towel may be placed at the bottom of the jug to protect the fruit during the detachment process.

This home-made version is not suitable for larger tree fruit nurseries, but rather for small-scale production as this tool is not durable or efficient compared to commercial tools.

Figure 4. Home made fruit picking pole. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV95AEHPofU

For a more detailed tutorial on constructing a homemade picking pole:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV95AEHPofU

Constraints to Adoption

While simple tree fruit harvesting tools may appear to be a cost-effective solution for smallholder farmers in comparison to mechanical aids, there are still several drawbacks associated with this method of harvest. First, there are still costs associated with the production and distribution of the tools, given that a cost-free option (hand-harvesting) is available. The challenge here is to determine whether these production and distribution costs are worth the time and labour required.

Second, the accessibility of harvesting tools is another potential constraint for factory-made picking poles, as farmers are required to travel to the store or market to purchase the tools. This requires time and costs of travel. The alternative, a home-made version, requires a farmer to obtain the materials to produce the tools as well as the knowledge on how to construct it. Further, for either version of the picking pole, there will be repair and maintenance costs associated. To improve smallholder farmer productivity, a key task involves improving farmer accessibility to mechanization (Liao, et al., 2022). As such, addressing the accessibility constraints of the picking poles is vital.

Lastly, there are education and training considerations involved with the use of tree harvesting tools. To maximize efficiency with the picking pole, training on the use of this tool can be beneficial for smallholder farmers. While a text-based training manual may seem like a solution to this, some farmers may not be able to read, or text in the local language may not be available. Low literacy amongst smallholder farmers is one of the major barriers to agricultural innovation due to limited access to information (Devkota, et al, 2020).

However, there are several solutions to counteract these constraints. First, an illustrated diagram can be a universal solution as well as being more cost-effective. To provide information for farmers with low literacy, pictures can be more effective than text-based manuals (Devkota, et al., 2020). Diagrams (see links below at SAKbooks.com) can be included with the harvesting tool at purchase or an alternative step-by-step version to train farmers to build their own harvesting tool. To address the accessibility issues, a friend or family member who resides in the city can be asked to retrieve the tool. Further, since the long poles cause transportation issues as it is difficult to carry these tools by bicycle or motorcycles, it would be beneficial for these poles to be collapsible and lightweight. To reduce costs, cooperatives where smallholder farmers can share the tool amongst the village, would be good solution. Effective strategies that improve the accessibility of mechanization for smallholder farmers include: subsidy policies and incentives for rental service providers of agricultural machinery (Liao, et al., 2022). Tool rentals can provide local business opportunities. Lastly, local blacksmiths should be encouraged to make picking poles, and local stores should be encouraged to stock them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, simple tree harvesting tools offer smallholder farmers a cost-effective method of harvest. These tools minimize labour, fruit deterioration, and production costs. As well, the utilization of picking poles can reduce instances of musculoskeletal disorders in smallholder farmers picking fruit. Picking poles can either be factory-made or home-made depending on a farmer’s income status. However, there are several constraints to adoption that may deter smallholder farmers.

Picture Based Lesson to Train Farmers

Click on the image to access a higher resolution image as well as lessons adapted for different geographic regions.

References

1.Burden, J., & Wills, R.B.H. (1989). Prevention of post-harvest food losses: fruits, vegetables,and root crops. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. https://www.fao.org/3/t0073e/T0073E03.htm#5.%20Harvesting%20and%20field%20handling

2.Devkota R, Hambly Odame H, Fitzsimons J, Pudasaini R, Raizada MN. (2020) Evaluating the Effectiveness of Picture-Based Agricultural Extension Lessons Developed Using Participatory Testing and Editing with Smallholder Women Farmers in Nepal. Sustainability, 12(22):9699. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12229699

3.Khatri, S., Shrestha, S., & Pokharel, K. (2022). Investigation of different manual harvesting tools performance for harvesting output, mechanical injuries, storability and post-harvest physio-chemical attributes of mandarin fruit in Nepal. Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research, 5(1), 35–52. https://doi.org/10.22077/jhpr.2021.4426.1220

4.Liao W, Zeng F, Chanieabate M. (2022) Mechanization of Small-Scale Agriculture in China: Lessons for Enhancing Smallholder Access to Agricultural Machinery. Sustainability, 14(13):7964. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137964

5.Mohamaddan, S., Rahman, M. A., Munot, M., Tanjong, S. J., Deros, B. M., Md Dawal, S. Z., & Case, K. (2021). Investigation of oil palm harvesting tools design and technique on work-related musculoskeletal disorders of the upper body. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 86(1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ergon.2021.103226

6.Palipane, K., & Rolle, R. (2008). Good practice for assuring the post-harvest quality of exotic tree fruit crops produced in Jamaica. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. https://www.fao.org/3/ak832e/ak832e.pdf

7.Paltrinieri, G. (n.d.). Handling of Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and Root Crops. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome. https://www.fao.org/3/au186e/au186e.pdf

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